Nugzar Tsiklauri: Any step toward legitimizing the government will be a betrayal of the people's interests – If we say that the government is legitimate and take part in elections it has called, then we are throwing away the six-month-long struggle

"Now is not the time for attacks, and especially not for tearing down each other’s banners", - Nugzar Tsiklauri, one of the leaders of the "Coalition for Change," said this during an appearance on Palitra News's program "Daily Newsroom" in response to an incident on May 9.

At the Europe Day rally, supporters of the United National Movement prevented another demonstrator from displaying a banner supporting Mikheil Saakashvili.

According to Tsiklauri, no one has the right to believe they can gain their own freedom by restricting someone else’s.

"Violence is unacceptable when it comes from the government, and the inability to accept differing opinions within the opposition would be catastrophic for the movement that is currently out on the streets of Tbilisi.

I fully understand that when political figures of such significance are discussed, we cannot avoid differences in opinion. However, banning someone from expressing their views—and especially tearing down banners through violence—is not the path I follow.

As for the criticisms related to Mikheil Saakashvili, there were indeed political disagreements, which led many to leave the United National Movement. This was evident during the party elections. When the time comes—when Mikheil Saakashvili is no longer held captive by Russian and Ivanishvili's influence—many discussions can take place. Of course, many grievances will be expressed. But right now, as we are fighting to restore stolen elections and reclaim our fundamental constitutional rights, going out and attacking someone else’s banner is completely unacceptable to me.

Now is not the time for attacks, especially not for tearing down each other’s banners or physically confronting others. We know that during the nine-year period—alongside major achievements on the path to Europe and economic growth—there were also issues that still remain problematic for our society. That is a very legitimate political discussion. No one can be forbidden from having differing views. I believe that focusing on these issues right now does not serve our common cause—it only strengthens Ivanishvili.

There is an anti-hero in this country, and that is Georgian Dream together with Bidzina Ivanishvili. But our movement must have moral heroes, moral foundations, and we must clearly express them. One of those foundations must be respect for differing opinions, and we must not try to silence others through physical violence," Tsiklauri said.

Asked whether Georgian Dream has become used to internal and external resistance and whether it has adapted to protest, Tsiklauri replied: "When Georgian Dream had no political problems, it easily amended laws. Now, we see a whole set of draconian laws."

"What is this for? It’s precisely because they are no longer capable of having political dialogue—with the people, the opposition, NGOs, journalists. They want to break resistance through harsh laws, brutality, restrictions, police responses, and pepper spray. This is actually a sign of weakness. I don’t believe they are comfortable in this situation. Then there's the issue of international pressure. We can see how principled Western society is in response to the government’s anti-European stance. I don’t think the government feels comfortable under these circumstances," he said.

Regarding the risk to civil peace in the country, the Coalition for Change member said that, like in all autocracies, the situation will eventually become unmanageable.

"The country is in crisis. When a crisis is not resolved, new elections must be held. Add economic problems to this, and we’re seeing that government representatives are becoming politically untouchable. Countries are starting to restrict their use of diplomatic passports, and in the coming days, Germany will impose such restrictions. If anyone in government still has common sense, they must act. As in any autocracy, the situation here will eventually become unmanageable. People will realize that a government which does not represent their political interests cannot govern and secure their future. When that moment comes, I believe new parliamentary elections will become even more urgent," Tsiklauri said.

He also spoke about the “MEGOBARI Act.” According to him, Georgian Dream has fears and phobias, as if mythical forces—so-called “deep state”—are opposing the Georgian government.

"I think the MEGOBARI Act addresses two main issues in Georgian politics today. One started on election day, when the elections were rigged. The other began on November 28, when it was declared that Georgia no longer wants to join Europe, and that there are supposedly other countries—and anyone who criticizes the Georgian government is part of this mythical ‘deep state.’ Of course, no such thing exists. There is only Georgian Dream’s fear and the cultivation of phobias, as if mythical powers are opposing the government," Tsiklauri stated.

As for the opposition's plans for May 26, Georgia’s Independence Day, the politician said Rustaveli Avenue will belong to the Georgian people.

"Georgian Dream can no longer appear on Rustaveli Avenue. They’ve abandoned it—Georgia’s main project, the place where the country’s biggest political decisions were made. On May 26, Rustaveli will belong to the Georgian people," Tsiklauri noted.

He also spoke about the local elections.

"In 2020, political parties first told people, ‘We don’t recognize the elections, go out and protest.’ People went out, faced beatings, and endured hardship. Then, the same politicians said, ‘Let’s go into parliament.’ Our movement cannot succeed if politicians don’t show political morals and firmness. Any step toward legitimizing this government would be a betrayal of the Georgian people's national interests. If we say the government is legitimate, and that its elections are legitimate, and we participate in them—then we are throwing away the six-month struggle the Georgian people, NGOs, and journalists went through. We are discarding the sacrifices made, the brutal beatings people endured. I will not betray their interests! We’re holding meetings, and we tell people that no matter how hard it is, no matter how difficult this struggle becomes, betraying our people’s national interests is not an option. There’s a saying: ‘When you point to the moon, a fool looks at your finger.’ Our government is in that state right now—being pointed toward restoring democracy, but instead it sees the finger of a mythical deep state. This does not reflect the national interests of the Georgian people," Tsiklauri said.